Sunderland’s win at Burton Albion has changed the mood on Wearside - and the Black Cats must continue to rebuild the connection with their fans by following up with a home win, according to Robbin Ruiter.

Saturday’s 2-0 victory at the weekend saw new boss Chris Coleman triumph in only his second game in charge, ending the Black Cats’ three-month wait for a win.

The feeling of relief at the Pirelli Stadium was palpable, with Coleman cheered to the rafters when he went over to salute the 1,500-plus fans who had made the journey to the Midlands.

But as Coleman prepares for his first home game in charge against Reading on Saturday, an even more important target must be to deliver a win at the Stadium of Light - something which Sunderland fans have not seen their team achieve for almost a full calendar year.

Robbin Ruiter of Sunderland warms up (Image: Sunderland AFC)

Asked whether now is the time for Sunderland to get that first home win, Ruiter said: “Every week has been the time!

“When you see the stadium, the fans, we should win most of home games but that hasn’t happened.

“You felt the relief at Burton. When you look at the position where we are, and there are still thousands of people going to the away games, they support us really well.

“It has been hard times for them, because this is their life.

“I think sometimes they look at the players and think that they don’t care about the club, but I can assure them that I really care about the club, even though I have only been here for a couple of months.